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Steelers, Niners seek 3-0 starts

Sep 23, 2007 - 12:17 PM San Francisco (2-0) at Pittsburgh (2-0) Sunday 1:00 pm EDT

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) - The last time the Pittsburgh Steelers won their first three games they also featured a first-year coach. Seeking their first 3-0 start in 15 years, the Steelers face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Under new coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have been dominant in beating Cleveland and Buffalo by a combined 60-10.

Pittsburgh last started with three straight wins in 1992 under coach Bill Cowher, who resigned prior to this season.

A former defensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings, Tomlin has to be ecstatic with his defense which has produced 10 sacks and allowed just 444 yards in two games.

In last Sunday's 26-3 win over Buffalo, the Steelers registered four sacks. They also received a huge game from Willie Parker, who rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown.

In Mike Nolan's second season as coach, the Niners are seeking their first 3-0 start since 1998.

Despite struggling offensively for two games, the Niners have wins over Arizona and St. Louis by a combined four points.

Last Sunday, the Niners took advantage of a late turnover to escape with a 17-16 win at St. Louis. Frank Gore led the offense, rushing for 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The Niners will be looking for some production out of third-year quarterback Alex Smith, who has yet to throw a touchdown pass in two games.

This is the first meeting between the teams in Pittsburgh since 1996.